Herpes

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 and type 2.

How do you get it?

The type 1 and type 2 viruses are released from the sores that the viruses cause. They are also released from skin that does not appear to be broken or to have a sore between outbreaks. A person almost always gets type 2 infection during sexual contact with someone who has type 2. Type 1 infection of the genitals can be caused by oral-genital or genital-genital contact with a a person who has type 1.

Symptoms

Most people have few or no symptoms. When they do occur, they appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters break, leaving tender ulcers that may take two to four weeks to heal. During this time other symptoms can occur, such as a second crop of sores and flu-like symptoms, including fever and swollen glands.

Another outbreak follows the first and can appear weeks or months afterwards. The secondary outbreaks are less severe and shorter.

Most people can expect to have four or five outbreaks a year.

Complications

Complications include painful genital sores that reoccur. Herpes can be severe in those with a weak immune system. Having herpes can make it easier to become infected with HIV.

Testing/Diagnosis

Health care providers can diagnose genital herpes by visual inspection of an outbreak or by taking a lab sample for analysis. Blood tests are also used.

Treatment

There is no treatment that can cure herpes, but antiviral medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks during the period of time the person takes medication.

Resources: Heritage House '76, Inc.